Light signal by inverting

Abstract

A simple, inoffensive, and economic device is provided for signaling to get the attention of a waiter or waitress in a restaurant. A housing having a flat top and bottom holds one or more light emitters, preferably a number of light emitting diodes. A battery in the housing powers the lights through a gravity actuated switch and an intermittent flashing circuit. One flat face of the device is attached to the bottom of a can or bottle. When upright, the container rests on the device, and the lights are off. When the container is inverted to signal for service, the switch powers the emitters, which flash intermittently. The device may include a mechanism to stabilize the container in the inverted position.

Description

[0001]This invention relates to electric signals and more particularly to devices directed to signaling for service at a restaurant or bar.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]When seated at a table, a patron waiting for service such as to order another drink, or to request a check, often has difficulty in catching the attention of the waiter or waitress. In China, one signals that the teapot is empty by opening the lid. It is customary in some places to signal for another bottle of wine or beer by inverting the bottle. These methods are not always effective in getting the attention of busy or inattentive staff. Keeping impatient diners waiting loses customers and keeps tables needlessly occupied. A method for more effectively getting the attention of the wait staff will enhance the business of the restaurant.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a simple, inoffensive, and economic device for getting the attention of the wait staff. It is ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a simple, inoffensive, and economic device for getting the attention of the wait staff. It is another object that the device be easily operated. It is yet another object that the device be operable by a technique familiar to many patrons. It is yet another object that the device is acceptable to beverage vendors as a means of advertising their product. The device of the invention comprises one or more battery operated light emitters that are gravity actuated. The device is attached to the bottom of a bottle, glass, mug, or can. The light[s] turn on when the bottle, mug, glass, or can is inverted, thereby signaling to the wait staff. To enhance the signal and reduce the battery load, the light[s] flash on intermittently. The light control may include means to turn off the lights after a preset time interval. This will conserve battery, especially in shipping the product to market. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent when the detailed description is studied in conjunction with the drawings in which like elements are designated by like reference characters in the various drawing figures.

Problems solved by technology

When seated at a table, a patron waiting for service such as to order another drink, or to request a check, often has difficulty in catching the attention of the waiter or waitress.

These methods are not always effective in getting the attention of busy or inattentive staff.

Keeping impatient diners waiting loses customers and keeps tables needlessly occupied.

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